Life in the body of Christ Romans 12_1_8

Title: Life in the Body of Christ

Text: Romans 12:1-8

Intro: I wish I could stand here this morning and tell you a good joke or a funny story to get this sermon started. But I could think of any. Instead we are going to jump right in.

God has given us a life to live, how are you living? Can I tell you if you are living with out Jesus you are living hopeless.

Those of you who are in Christ, saved, blood bought born again believers, how are you living?

You have been called to a new life and that life consists of life in the body of Christ, the Church.

CPS: This morning I want us all to examine our lives in the Body of Christ.

Life in the body of Christ consists of Devotion to the Lord. Vs. 1-2

Exp: Paul urges the Saints to act on what they believe.

Devote your Body Vs. 1

A New form of Worship (Define), a Spiritual Worship. No longer MAKE a sacrifice but BE a Sacrifice

Romans 6:13

God wants your right to yourself

Devote your mind Vs. 2

A new creature in Christ ought to have the mind of Christ.

Choose to sacrifice the preferences of the flesh and choose to do the will of God instead

ILL. "Will you please tell me in a word," said a Christian woman to a minister, "what your idea of consecration is?" Holding out a blank sheet of paper the pastor replied, "It is to sign your name at the bottom of this blank sheet, and to let God fill it in as He will."

APP. In view of God’s Mercy, His Salvation, your Sanctification, and God’s Sovereignty it is reasonable for us to sacrifice ourselves for Him.

ARE YOU DEVOTED TO CHRIST?

Life in the body of Christ consists of Unity in the Lord. Vs. 3-5

Exp: Paul firmly urges the saints to build the body of Christ into a unified body. With the renewed mind of Christ one can examine himself with access himself correctly.

Think rightly about yourself

Not adverb TO THINK verb - hupĕrphrŏnĕō, hoop-er-fron-eh´-o; = to esteem oneself overmuch... The idea of being vain and arrogant.

THINK verb - phrŏnĕō, fron-eh´-o; = to exercise the mind,

THINK verb SOBERLY - sōphrŏnĕō, so-fron-eh´-o; = be of sound mind

Not Pridefully but Humbly

Measure yourself by the faith God has given to you.

ILL. Conversation in Peru. Daniel, Dewayne, and myself. Viewing the grandeur of Misty and experiencing what we were experiencing, Dewayne asked, I wonder what the disciples would do if they were here. Daniel answered, arguing over who would be first.

Think rightly about others

ILL. The Body has many parts. We are dependent on one another

Since God has shown grace to each of us there is no hierarchy. We are in need of each other. If you want to take Christ’s task to hand, you put others before yourself.

Phil. 2:2-4

Because of the Mercies of God stand united as one in Christ Jesus.

ARE YOU UNITED AS ONE IN CHRIST?

Life in the body of Christ consists of Service to the Lord. Vs. 5-8

Since we are united in the Lord but not having the same offices but different gifts, we are to use our gifts in service because not one Christian has all the gifts. But, all Christians have least one gift. Without the use of these different gifts the body of Christ does not function properly.

Prophecy

Not future telling but preaching – preach well… to the best of the ability God has granted you.

Ministry

Service – being put to work. Cooking and Waiting on tables, DEACON. Serving at the potluck dinner Baptist are greatly known for. Ushering, collecting the tithes.

ILL. Little Lady buttering bread.

Teaching

If teaching is your gift, then you teach well. Sunday School, Lead a Bible Study in your neighborhood, at your job, or in the church. One on one discipleship.

Exhortation

Encourager, People need encouragement. Get involved in visitation, nursing home visitation, hospital, shut in, if exhortation is your gift then encourage those around you and do it will the totality of your being.

Giving

There are those who God graces with the ability to make money and to give it to His service, they think nothing about giving it just comes naturally. The more you give the more you receive to give. God has a special place of service for you and your money. It takes money to operate a church, it takes money to operate missions. Give and give it well.

Administrates/Leads

gift of vision and direction that is effective but should not be overbearing. Perhaps you need to be chairman of a committee, or organize an evangelical event

Acts of Mercy

helping the sick, the poor, and the sorrowful.

App. God has given each of us different gifts to serve in the Body of Christ and to bring others into its fold. Are you using your gifts?

ARE YOU IN SERVICE TO THE LORD?

Conclusion: The Body of Christ has to function and function well. Let us worship properly, unite together in the love of Christ, and serve Him with the gifts He has graced each of us with.